+Straight Up Answers

When the judge sentenced me to six months in the county jail, my first thought was about my family. Without me there to work and pay the bills, my wife and kids would lose the apartment. My attorney spoke up right away and asked the judge to allow me to check in at a later […]

Understanding what jails mean by "plain" cards and why they require them helps ensure your inmate's holiday or greeting cards arrive on time. The facility's website might have a vague statement about only sending "plain" cards, or there might be no instruction at all. It is only when your card is returned unopened to you […]

Colorado law allows certain convicted felons to own or possess guns. Federal law still makes it a crime to do so, and in some cases the feds have pursued prosecution of those who possess guns in states that allow it. Only an attorney should advise you on this matter but the basics of Colorado's laws […]

If you are dealing with an addict in your life, you already know that you won't be able to keep it up forever. There will come a point where you will need to reclaim your life and get back among the living. Years ago, I began taking gradual steps toward letting go and by the […]

The expenses of traveling to visit your inmate can add up quickly. These cost saving measures will make it less painful for your budget. Traveling by car Gas up early Gas up on a weekday. Many gas stations raise the price of a gallon shortly before the weekend. Filling up the tank on a weekday, […]

Decriminalizing Pot doesn't always mean it is completely legal. Here are some current guidelines. Possession Unlike several other states that chose an ounce as the cutoff for a civil penalty, Maine allows you to possess up to 2.5 ounces and still receive a civil ticket. The fine is a flat $600 regardless of the amount. […]

You know you have a problem, because lately your life has been falling apart. But going to rehab or seeking outpatient treatment seems like a drastic measure, because you're still surviving. Think about getting help for these reasons: It shows your family you are serious. How many times have you promised to stop using drugs […]

Voting is one of the most fundamental rights given to American citizens, however, once convicted of a felony, whether or not that right will be restored to you is up to the state that you reside in. The laws for Michigan include: Pending Cases If you are charged with a crime, but have not yet […]

The one thing that is consistent about US prison sentences is their inconsistency. Each state sets its own rules to use for each criminal offense. The more serious crimes, called felonies, are typically given longer sentences, while less serious crimes, called misdemeanors have shorter sentences. Taking a life — A premeditated murder can result

Voting is one of the most fundamental rights given to American citizens, but once you're convicted of a felony, whether or not that right will be restored to you is up to the state that you reside in. Florida overview: The Process If you have been convicted of a felony, the state of Florida has […]

Voting is one of the most fundamental rights given to American citizens, however, once convicted of a felony, whether or not that right will be restored to you is up to the state that you reside in. The laws for Louisiana include: You've Been Charged You cannot vote in Louisiana if you are incarcerated for […]

Many companies will not interview a felon, much less hire one. While this is true and it can make life on the outside difficult, finding employment after prison can be done if you take the right steps. Career Centers Goodwill has set up a nationwide career center program to help underemployed and unemployed people and […]

Society has an expectation that once an inmate is set free he or she can just jump right back into life, but that isn't the way it works. The best way to get back into normal life after incarceration is to take a few baby steps the first few days. Delay the Party Friends and […]

Commissary funds are deposited to an inmate's account so he or she can purchase personal hygiene items, stationery supplies and snacks. Some lists also offer clothing, electronics, books and phone cards, among other things. A Relief from Hunger Inmates are typically fed two to three meals a day. The ingredients are high in calorie and […]

When a family member goes missing, it strikes fear in the heart of loved ones but panicking will not help the situation. The following steps can narrow the search and if authorities become involved will help them streamline the process. Contact authorities. Tell them you do not wish to wait 24 hours because your family […]

The Dekalb County Detention Center in Fort Payne, DeKalb County, Alabama, like all jails is a maximum security facility. Because the inmates in this jail range from low level offenders to those being held for violent crimes like robbery, rape and murder, the security level is as high as is it is in any maximum security state prison. Some of the security features in this facility include security cameras, electronic detection and reinforced fencing topped with razor wire. Correctional officers in Dekalb County Detention Center are armed with mace and trained to use physical force to protect themselves and other inmates from violence.

The men, women and juveniles being held in the Dekalb County Detention Center are either awaiting trial or have been sentenced in the DeKalb County Court System already and been sentenced to a period of time of one year or less. When an inmate is sentenced to a year or more, they are admitted into the Alabama Prison or Federal Prison System.
Inmates in the Dekalb County Detention Center are fed three meals a day totaling 2,500 calories, are allowed access to phones to contact friends and family members, are allowed at least one hour a day for exercise, have access to books, bathroom and shower facilities. The inmates are allowed mail to be delivered to them as well as newspapers and magazine from trusted outside publishers.

On this page you will find direct links to specific information that friends and family members of inmates will find useful: DeKalb County Inmate Search, Inmate Phone use, Visitation Rules and Schedules, Commissary Deposits and Information about the Dekalb County Detention Center Inmate Mail Guidelines. In addition, you will find information on how to contact the facility, directions to the jail, DeKalb County recent arrests, Most Wanted, outstanding Arrest Warrants and much more.

STRAIGHT UP ANSWERS

Getting out of prison and starting over is not easy, but with a little creative thinking, you can use the abilities you learned while incarcerated into useful tools for life. Organization – Almost everyone who goes into prison comes out much more organized in all aspects of life. Whether it has to do with keeping […]

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can only stop your benefits if the arrest warrant is for a fleeing crime. If there is a warrant for something other than fleeing, it does not qualify for benefit cut off or forced repayment. Historically, the SSA stopped benefits for anyone who had an arrest warrant for any reason. […]

The state of Alabama allows felons to have their voting rights restored under the following guidelines. You must have completed your entire sentence, including incarceration, probation, and parole, or community supervision. Once completed, you have three options: Contact your local parole or probation office Write to the Board of Pardons and Parole

Anyone who has been incarcerated will tell you that once you are booked, given inmate attire, and assigned to a housing unit, your connection with the outside world is greatly reduced. During the booking process most jails will allow you one free phone call before taking you to your unit. Make it count. Very few […]

Being accused of dealing drugs or having enough in your possession for resale is a serious situation, but many states have also implemented additional penalties for drug situations near a school. Each state sets its own rules about this, but in most cases it is a higher grade of felony with longer sentences. What is […]

Incarceration is scary. It doesn't matter how old or tough you are, fear is a natural response to being sent to prison. Not showing that fear is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself while doing your time. Exercise is a perfect tool to alleviate fear. According to Harvard Health […]

Many jails provide a variety of visitation options during the week and you should take advantage of this if you can. Though your inmate will be thrilled to see you at any time, strategic scheduling can make a big difference in the quality of the visit. Time of Day Choose a time that he or […]

Voting is one of the most fundamental rights given to American citizens, however, once convicted of a felony, whether or not that right will be restored to you is up to the state that you reside in. The laws for Michigan include: Pending Cases If you are charged with a crime, but have not yet […]

Learn About Them Through friends. If you know someone who is incarcerated or has a family member incarcerated, ask for the name of an inmate who might like having a pen pal. This is an excellent way to meet pen pals because they can give a personal recommendation. Use Pen Pal Sites. There are several […]

If your children are over the age of six or seven they should be told if you are addicted to drugs. Children aren't stupid, and no matter how much you think you are keeping the big secret, they know something is wrong. Their imagination is going to run wild until you give them some information. […]

Jails across the nation are catching on to the popularity of offering remote, "at-home," visitation. Not only is it convenient for jail staff, inmates, and family members, but it is also a way for the jail to collect revenue because in most cases, at-home visitation is a paid service. How it Works To be able […]

Preschool-aged children are very attached to their parents. If one of them is suddenly arrested and incarcerated it can cause lots of anxiety. Allowing the child to visit the parent can help alleviate those fears but it is important to explain what's coming with age-appropriate discussions. Talk it over immediately Waiting too long to explain […]

My name is Jonathan. I thought I was going to get probation. Everyone I knew got probation for the same charge, but when I was called in front of the judge, he sentenced me to 30 days in jail. I was handcuffed, taken into custody in front of everyone in the courtroom, and brought to […]

Commissary funds are deposited to an inmate's account so he or she can purchase personal hygiene items, stationery supplies and snacks. Some lists also offer clothing, electronics, books and phone cards, among other things. A Relief from Hunger Inmates are typically fed two to three meals a day. The ingredients are high in calorie and […]

Many states allow defendants to be released from jail to wait for court by paying a percentage of the total bond amount. Percentages range from 10 to 20 percent depending on state law. Understand how the process works to help someone who's been arrested. What is a Bond? A bond is an amount of money […]